Buyer

Buyer

The Buyer supports EMI Industries' procurement function by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services required to support manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels, developing supplier relationships, ensuring on-time delivery of purchased goods, and supporting cost reduction initiatives across a custom millwork, metal fabrication, refrigeration, and store fixtures environment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Execute purchasing activities including issuing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and confirming receipt of materials, components, and services in accordance with production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Source and evaluate suppliers; obtain competitive quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms to achieve cost and quality objectives.
• Maintain and manage supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, and address delivery, quality, or service issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with production planning, engineering, and operations teams to understand material requirements and prioritize purchasing activities accordingly.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with the warehouse and production teams to prevent shortages and minimize excess or obsolete stock.
• Review and process purchase requisitions; confirm specifications, quantities, and lead times before placing orders.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records including purchase orders, vendor files, pricing history, and delivery documentation within the ERP system.
• Identify and implement cost savings opportunities through negotiation, alternate sourcing, consolidation of purchases, or process improvements.
• Assist in the evaluation and onboarding of new suppliers; ensure vendors meet EMI's quality, delivery, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with the Accounts Payable team to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure timely payment of vendors.
• Support new product development by procuring prototype materials and managing lead times for engineering projects.
• Maintain good attendance and contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems for purchasing and inventory management; experience with Epicor, SAP, or similar platforms preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; able to work effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing to team goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in millwork, metal fabrication, food service equipment, retail fixtures, refrigeration, or similar industries is considered an asset.
• APICS CPIM, ISM CPSM, or similar supply chain certification is a plus.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

EEOC

LSI is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. LSI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.